The 3 Ayurvedic Doshas & Overeating

The three humors are responsible for the functioning of the human organism according to the Ayurveda. When the three doshas Vata, Pitta and Kapha reside undisturbed in their proper organs and tissues, the organism is supported by them and is in balance. When disturbed, they cause disease and deterioration of the body.

Of all of them, Vata (Wind) is the key. Pitta and Kapha cannot move from their centers unless the air within the body carries them.

Through birth and prolonged specific behaviour, one dosha may dominant, or a combination of two doshas is dominant. Some people have all 3 doshas in relative balance. An ayurvedic doctor may establish your dominant body type through feeling the pulse. To give a very general idea, one might say that Vata dominated people are relatively thin, Pitta dominated people are relatively athletic and Kappha dominated people are relatively rounded

DOSHA

ELEMENTS

SUBDOSHAS

ORIGIN

Vata (Wind)

Air and Akasha

Prana Vata

Chest region

Udana Vata

Thoracic and throat region

Samana Vata

Hearth and navel region

Vyana Vata

Hearth and circulatory vessels

Apana Vata

Pelvic region

Pitta (Bile)

Fire and Water

Pachaka Pitta

Liver and pancreas

Ranjaka Pitta

Liver and spleen

Sadhaka Pitta

Hearth

Alochaka Pitta

Eyes

Bhrajaka Pitta

Skin

Kapha (Mucus)

Water and Earth

Kledaka Kapha

Stomach

Avalambaka Kapha

Hearth, chest and lower back regions

Bodhaka Kapha

Mouth, Tongue and throat

Tarpaka Kapha

Head (cerebrospinal fluid)

Sleshaka Kapha

Joints

Overeating and Dosha Imbalance in Ayurveda

When it comes to ayurvedic diet and wellness, in a holistic sense, we should remember that we truly are what we eat. Overeating (regardless of food type) will have lasting effects on our strength, complexion, weight, longevity, virility, and ojas (the pure and subtle substance that’s extracted from completely digested food).

In terms of cause and effect (Kamma in Buddhism) overconsumption inevitably afflicts the body, mind, and senses; eventually bringing about harm to the dhatus (7 bodily tissues). Obstructions start forming in the stomach, moving through the upper and lower tracts; and in time the Srotamsi (Circulatory Channels) get all clogged up, leading to disease tendencies according to one’s dosha in Ayurveda: